Arvo, 96, a deeply loved husband, father and grandfather went to his heavenly home on April 9, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born in Automba, MN on March 17, 1922 to Gust and Mia (Fandt) Korpela, 1 of 11 siblings. As a young man, his first job was the SOO Line Railroad and family farming. In 1944, he entered the U.S. Army during WWII. He was wounded in Okinawa, Japan, receiving an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart in 1945. Upon returning, he me the love of his life, Vivian E. Williams, and they married June 10, 1950. He worked in the mercantile store and farmed prior to moving to Portland, OR in 1957. Arvo had various jobs in Portland, one being the owner of the Hollywood Chevron Gas Station. Then he went into carpentry, remodeling, and retired in 1994 from residential construction.
His faith kept him strong. He cherished his Finnish heritage, traveling to Finland 3 times and enjoying saunas. His time woodworking, remodeling his home, and traveling through the USA with Vivian kept him happy. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his friendliness, willingness to help others, but most of all, his pleasant smile. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Arvo is survived by his loving wife, Vivian Korpela; daughters, Sheila Prein (Eugene) and Meta Nielsen (Michael); and three grandchildren, Michael Nielsen (Chloe), Laura Virgin (Keith), and Lily Nielsen; sister, Linnea Autio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donations in Arvo's memory can be made to Providence Hospice Care or Purple Heart Organization.
